Medrol

Written by Jennifer Mitri Williamson, PharmD
Medically reviewed by Dena Westphalen, PharmD
Updated on June 27, 2023

Approved uses of methylprednisolone differ based on the form of the drug your doctor prescribes.

This article describes methylprednisolone’s uses, side effects, and more. You’ll also find some coupon options to help save on the cost of methylprednisolone.

Methylprednisolone may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of methylprednisolone and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.

To learn more about methylprednisolone’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for methylprednisolone listed in the “Article resources” section.

Mild side effects

More common mild side effects reported with methylprednisolone are listed below. Side effects may differ based on the form of methylprednisolone you’re prescribed.

This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about methylprednisolone’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for methylprednisolone listed in the “Article resources” section.

With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.

Mild side effects of methylprednisolone oral tablet include:

• high blood pressure
• thinning of the skin
• headache
• vertigo (feeling as though the environment is spinning)
• mild allergic reaction*

Mild side effects of methylprednisolone injection given into a muscle, joint, soft tissue, or lesion include:

• injection site reaction, such as changes in the skin
• nausea
• face becoming rounder
• acne
• mild allergic reaction*

* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for methylprednisolone” section.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects of methylprednisolone are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of methylprednisolone you’re prescribed.

This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about methylprednisolone’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for methylprednisolone listed in the “Article resources” section.

With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.

In general, methylprednisolone’s serious side effects include:

• serious brain- or nerve-related side effects, such as stroke
• heart problems, such as complications after a heart attack
• kidney problems, such as water retention
• hormone conditions, such as Cushing syndrome
• high blood sugar level, which may lead to diabetes
• infection
• eye conditions, such as glaucoma
• osteoporosis (bone weakness)
• mood changes, such as depression
• trouble urinating
• pain, such as in your hips or back
• slowed healing of wounds
• severe allergic reaction*

* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for methylprednisolone” section.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as methylprednisolone for certain conditions. Approved uses for methylprednisolone are described below. These uses differ based on the form of methylprednisolone prescribed.

Use for conditions related to inflammation

Doctors may prescribe methylprednisolone tablet or injection* for treating inflammation (swelling and damage) caused by certain conditions. The drug is prescribed for this purpose in adults and some children. In some cases, doctors may prescribe methylprednisolone for children older than age 1 month.

Methylprednisolone can be prescribed for short-term or long-term treatment. How long you use methylprednisolone depends on your condition and your treatment plan. Your doctor will recommend the best plan for you.

Methylprednisolone is prescribed to treat many conditions that cause inflammation, including:

• endocrine disorders, such as adrenal insufficiency
• rheumatic conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis
• collagen-related conditions, such as systemic lupus erythematosus
• skin conditions, such as psoriasis
• allergic reactions, such as dermatitis
• eye conditions, such as optic neuritis
• lung problems, such as sarcoidosis
• blood disorders, such as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
• certain types of cancer, such as leukemia
• digestive system conditions, such as ulcerative colitis
• certain other conditions, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and tuberculous meningitis

Approved uses of methylprednisolone differ based on the form of the drug your doctor prescribes.

* The injection may be given into a muscle, joint, soft tissue, or lesion.

Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about methylprednisolone.

Is methylprednisolone similar to prednisolone and prednisone?

Yes, methylprednisolone is similar to prednisolone (Orapred ODT) and prednisone (Rayos). These medications all belong to the same group of drugs, called glucocorticoids. This means these drugs work in similar ways to decrease inflammation (swelling and damage). These drugs are approved to treat inflammation caused by some of the same conditions, though some uses may differ.

However, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, and prednisone may have different dosages and side effects. If you have questions about which medication may be the best treatment option for you, talk with your doctor.

How does methylprednisolone work? And how long does it take to start working?

Methylprednisolone is a glucocorticoid. This medication works by decreasing inflammation (swelling and damage) due to certain conditions, which helps to ease symptoms.

This medication will begin working with your first dose, but it may take time for you to feel your symptoms ease. If you’d like to know what to expect from methylprednisolone treatment, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Below you’ll find information about methylprednisolone’s possible interactions and warnings.

Interactions of methylprednisolone

Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.

Before you start methylprednisolone, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:

• prescription or over-the-counter drugs
• vitamins, herbs, or supplements

To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for methylprednisolone” section just below.

Warnings for methylprednisolone

Some people should not use methylprednisolone, and others should use it cautiously.

Methylprednisolone could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether methylprednisolone is a safe option for you. These warnings may differ based on the form of methylprednisolone you’re prescribed.

Ask your doctor about specific warnings for methylprednisolone, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:

• current health, including any allergies to medications
• past health conditions or surgeries

Allergic reaction

Methylprednisolone can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.

If you’ve had an allergic reaction to methylprednisolone or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe methylprednisolone. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.

A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
• swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems

If you have an allergic reaction to methylprednisolone, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.

Overdose of methylprednisolone

If you take methylprednisolone by mouth, you should not take more methylprednisolone than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

If you think you’ve taken too much methylprednisolone, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding and methylprednisolone

Information about methylprednisolone and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.

Methylprednisolone and pregnancy

It’s not known whether methylprednisolone should be used during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before using this medication.

Methylprednisolone and breastfeeding

Methylprednisolone should not be used while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before using this medication. Your doctor may recommend other ways to feed your child during treatment with methylprednisolone.

This article describes methylprednisolone’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more. Let your doctor know if you have questions about methylprednisolone or would like more details about it.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• Am I at an increased risk of side effects from methylprednisolone if I’m taking other medications to treat my condition?
• Are there any other treatment options for my condition if I can’t afford methylprednisolone?
• What medications should I avoid during methylprednisolone treatment?
• What should I do if I become pregnant during methylprednisolone treatment?

• Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
• Methylprednisolone acetate injectable suspension, USP. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/631f7d3e-5620-4be3-b918-2f0d38a97890/spl-doc
• Methylprednisolone tablets, USP. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/f3b1dd05-efd3-4e13-a784-50273e522ed4/spl-doc

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.